The Big Red Bands Alumni Association demonstrated its sustained school spirit by funding the construction of a new 6,400-square-foot facility behind the Schoellkopf Crescent. Construction on the building, which will serve as the new home for the pep and marching bands, is expected to begin in 2012.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, a NYC band, will be playing at Risley Theater on April 25. Kip Berman, lead vocalist and guitarist, spoke to Sun Staff writer Will Cordeiro about his influences and aspirations. Will Cordeiro is also the Artist at Residence at Risley Hall and was involved in booking the band for the event.

SUN: How does it feel now that your first album came out? Are you happy with it and pleased with the success that it’s finding; how have you been dealing with success?

Kip Berman: It hasn’t really changed us: we’re doing what we always wanted to be doing. We just have more opportunities to tour and travel. It’s more just a change of venue. I mean, I’m still sitting in my same messy bedroom with the same piles of dirty laundry.